The Dominican painter Manuel Montilla was born in La Romana. He attended the National School of Fine Art in Santo Domingo where he graduated with a degree in Drawing in 1973. In the 1970’s and 1980’s he furthered his studies in Spain where he attended programs in engraving, lithography and graphic arts. Soon after, he had his first solo exhibitions in the Dominican Republic, Spain and the United States at the Organization of American States. He has continued to exhibit and sell his work worldwide.